Popping Blood Clots in Stools: Causes and Treatments

Overview

Seeing blood clots in your stool can feel like a scene straight out of a horror movie, but don’t panic just yet! While it’s certainly a sign that something’s amiss in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the causes can range from the surprisingly common, like hemorrhoids and anal fissures, to the more serious, such as ulcerative colitis or colon cancer. If you’ve noticed blood clots in your stool, you’re likely feeling alarmed and uncertain about what it could mean for your health. Join us as we explore the reasons behind those alarming clots and discover when it’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider. Your peace of mind is just a read away!

What does blood in stool mean?

Blood in stool, often referred to as bloody stool, can appear in various forms, typically as small, fibrous, or granular structures that range from dark red to maroon or even fleshy red pieces. This clotted blood usually indicates an issue within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as:

• Internal bleeding
• Infection
• Injury

Also, sometimes they are confused with period blood, but they are significantly different:

Blood clots in stool:

• Originate from the anus, part of the GI system.
• May include signs like blood clots in diarrhea or mucus blood clots in stool.
• Could be associated with conditions such as stomach pain and blood in stool.

Menstrual blood:

• Comes from the uterus and is expelled through the vagina.
• While they may look similar, their origins and causes are entirely distinct.

If you notice bright red blood in your stool or dark red blood clots, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, especially if the condition is accompanied by stomach pain.

Why is my poop bloody?

The presence of red chunks or flakes in your stool, often called bloody stools, can stem from various causes, some of which require immediate medical attention. Let’s explore these potential causes in detail.

Urgent causes of blood in stool

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus can lead to bleeding and the appearance of blood clots in stool. This condition often results from increased pressure on the rectal walls due to chronic constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, or weakened anal muscles.
• Anal fissures: Hard stools can create painful tears in the anal tissue, resulting in bleeding and blood pieces in stools.

Potentially serious causes of bloody stool:

• Diverticular disease: Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon may cause bleeding. If you experience diverticular bleeding, you might notice small blood clots without pain. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and metronidazole or amoxicillin and clavulanate.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease can cause significant inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the presence of red blood in stool. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications, aminosalicylates, steroids, and immunosuppressants.

• Colon polyps or cancer: Growths or tumors in the colon can bleed, causing blood clots in the stool. Early detection is crucial, as some polyps can develop into cancer due to genetic mutations.

• Gastrointestinal infections: Infections throughout the gastrointestinal tract, commonly referred to as gastroenteritis, can lead to bleeding and blood clots in poop. Gastroenteritis causes thousands of hospitalizations annually in the U.S. Treatment typically includes rehydration and, in some cases, antibiotics.

Important note: If you notice red chunks or flakes in your stool or experience symptoms such as pooping blood, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately. Don’t ignore signs like bright red blood in stool or pooping blood with no pain—contact your healthcare provider for advice.

What foods can cause blood in stool?

Certain foods can irritate the intestinal lining, potentially leading to inflammation and bleeding. Here’s a closer look at the foods that may contribute to blood in stool and why.

Irritants and allergens

For some individuals, food allergies, particularly to milk and dairy products, can trigger symptoms like hives, stomach upset, and even blood in stools, especially in infants. Those with a milk allergy should avoid all dairy and milk-containing products to prevent adverse reactions.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the umbrella of IBD. Inflammation and ulcers in the intestines characterize ulcerative colitis, while Crohn’s disease causes chronic inflammation throughout the GI tract, which can result in rectal bleeding.

Certain foods can exacerbate IBD symptoms, leading to bloody stools. Common triggers include:

• Hard-to-digest insoluble fiber: Raw cruciferous vegetables, whole nuts, and whole grains
• Dairy products: Especially for those with lactose intolerance
• Fried, fatty, or greasy foods
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Sugary foods
• Spicy foods

Additionally, some non-absorbable sugars, like sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, and xylitol, can trigger IBD flare-ups.

Food poisoning

Consuming contaminated food can lead to food poisoning, presenting symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Bloody diarrhea is particularly concerning and requires immediate medical attention, as it can indicate severe food poisoning.

Common culprits of food poisoning include:

• Raw or undercooked meats: Especially chicken, ground beef, and shellfish
• Raw fruits and vegetables contaminated with harmful bacteria
• Unsafe water and homemade fermented foods
• Improperly canned foods
• Unpasteurized milk

Intestinal infections

Certain parasitic infections, such as those caused by Shigella bacteria, can lead to bloody stools. Shigellosis is characterized by bloody diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, often spread through contaminated food or water. To avoid infection, ensure food is properly cooked, and practice good hygiene when handling raw ingredients.

Foods that alter stool color

Interestingly, some foods and beverages can change the color of stools, creating a false impression of blood. These include:

• Licorice
• Beetroot
• Blueberries
• Artificial fruit juice
• Medications, such as iron supplements or bismuth compounds, can also darken stool color.

It is crucial to be aware of how your diet impacts your digestive health. If you experience blood in your stool along with pain or persistent diarrhea, consult a doctor without delay. Recognizing potential dietary triggers can help you make informed choices and maintain better gastrointestinal health.

What are the treatments for blood in stool?

The treatment of blood clots in stool depends on the underlying cause. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment options available:

Prescription treatments

1. Diverticular bleeding

Healthcare providers commonly prescribe the following combinations to manage diverticular bleeding:

• Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg every 8 hours. 
• Ciprofloxacin (500mg every 12 hours) plus metronidazole (500 mg every 8 hours).
• Levofloxacin (750 mg once daily) plus metronidazole (500 mg every 8 hours).
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1 double-strength tablet every 12 hours) plus metronidazole (500 mg every 8 hours).

2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Anti-inflammatories, including aminosalicylates and balsalazide, are often prescribed. In some cases, steroids and immunosuppressants may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively.

3. Gastroenteritis

Treatment typically involves rehydration drinks, which can be oral or intravenous (IV), depending on the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed for specific bacterial infections.

4. Other conditions

For conditions like peptic ulcers, ischemic colitis, and colon cancer, treatments may include antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and various therapies tailored to the condition’s severity.

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments

• Hemorrhoids: OTC remedies like hemorrhoid creams can soothe pain and discomfort.
• Anal fissures: Topical anesthetics can help relieve pain from fissures.
• High-fiber supplements: These can assist in softening stool, making bowel movements easier and less painful.

Home remedies

For less severe cases, several home remedies may provide relief:

• High-fiber diet: Eating a diet rich in fiber helps relieve constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
• Sitz bath: Sitting in warm water can alleviate pain and discomfort from hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper bowel function.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity stimulates bowel movements, promoting overall gastrointestinal health.

Note on severe cases

If bleeding persists or worsens, medical intervention is crucial. Doctors may employ various techniques to stop the bleeding, such as:

• Endoscopy: This procedure allows doctors to inject chemicals, apply electric currents, or place bands to close bleeding vessels.
• Angiography: If endoscopy is ineffective, angiography may be used to inject medicine into blood vessels to control bleeding.

The treatment of blood in stool varies based on the cause, and the primary goal is to address the underlying condition. If you experience any symptoms of rectal bleeding, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What does cancerous blood in stool look like?

Cancerous blood in stool may appear in different colors depending on the location of the cancer within the digestive tract. However, when cancer causes visible bleeding in the digestive tract, the appearance of blood in the stool can vary.

Following are the different colors depicting cancer or the outgrowth of cells in different parts of the digestive tract.

1. If it’s Bright red in color, it depicts that the outgrowth and cancerous cells are in the lower (colon or rectum) part of the GIT.
2. If the stool is dark and tarry, it shows that the cancerous cells are causing bleeding from the upper part (stomach or small intestine) of the GIT.
3. If the stool is whitish-red in appearance, it depicts that it is mixed with mucus from any part of the GIT and it’s good to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

When to worry about blood in stool?

If you notice blood in your stool or blood clots in your stool, it’s essential to seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.

If the bleeding is significant, you feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded, or if there is a lot of blood in your stool, seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency clinic.

If you experience continuous changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms along with blood clots in the stool, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional.

If you have a personal or family history of gastrointestinal conditions or colorectal cancer, it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your bowel movements.

FAQs about blood clots in stool